ConferWest will provide a series of FAQs to help clients become familiar with the terminology and technology of video conferencing. 

If you have additional queries, please forward them to conferwest@dtf.wa.gov.au so that we can answer them and include them in this section.

What is ConferWest and who are its clients?

ConferWest is a whole-of-government video conferencing bridging service and is part of the Western Australian Department of Treasury and Finance.

Its clients are all WA government agencies and those directly involved in government business and not-for-profit organisations.

When should I use ConferWest?

If you are planning a video conference that involves three or more sites you will require some form of bridging.  This is called a multipoint video conference.  Bridging such conferences is the role of ConferWest which offers professional, quality services and operates a state of the art bridging facility (MCU - Multipoint Conference Unit).

How do I book a multipoint video conference with ConferWest?

By emailing a completed booking request form to ConferWest.  We prefer bookings via email rather than fax.  The booking form is obtained from ConferWest by email on conferwest@dtf.wa.gov.au or can be downloaded from our Booking page.

What if I need help filling in my booking form?

Please contact Georgie Golledge via ConferWest's email or phone on 08 9258 0721 and she will be more than happy to assist.

What if I have technical problem?

ConferWest operates a technical support helpdesk (1300 301 930) for client support immediately before and during your video conference.  Use of that number should be restricted to help you get online if you are experiencing difficulties.

Please do not use that number for normal enquiries.  For that, please contact Georgie Golledge on 08 9258 0721 or Tony Kubicki on 08 9258 0725.

Can endpoints using different bandwidths be in the one conference?

Yes.  The MCU has the ability to speed match different bandwidths.  Of course the different endpoint sites will see and hear quality up to their capability.  This means endpoints joining at 384K will see each other at that quality, but will see / hear 256K sites at the lower rate.

Must I be at a video site to join a video conference?

No, the MCU can interconnect traditional phone systems into a video conference.  This means sites can participate as if in a phone only conference.  Of course, that site cannot see anyone or any data presented. 

Are 2x64K and 128K conferences the same?

No, 128K conferences are bonded conferences similar to those conducted at 256K and 384K.  They require the dialling site to dial the one number and the respective video endpoint equipment will 'sort' out the remaining numbers. 

2x64K conferences require the dialling site to dial two numbers (often the same number twice).  The advantage is that with modern equipment the video tends to be upgraded to the newer standard giving an improvement of about 8% at no additional line cost.

What are the main difference between 2x64K, 256K and 384K conferences?

Quality and cost.  2x64K and 128K conferences require two ISDN phone connections, 256K conferences use four ISDN phone connections, whereas 384K conferences use six ISDN phone connections.

Videoconferencing Tips

ConferWest will present handy tips in these pages to help you conduct successful video conferences.   If you have additional hints, please forward them to conferwest@dtf.wa.gov.au so that we can include them in this section.

Prior to your Videoconference

• Be clear about what you want from a video conference.  It is your conference and you want a result.
  
• Prepare yourself and the participants. ConferWest will email the conference confirmations to the conference organiser/coordinator.  It is their responsibility to inform / email these confirmations to participants and site coordinators.

• Arrive at your video conference early and get organised.
  
• If dialling in, please do so 10 to 15 minutes prior to conference start.  This enables us to iron out any technical problems and ensures conferences start on time.

Using your endpoint

• Mute your microphone when not speaking.  This cuts out background noise, echo and provides a clear sound to all involved.

Using the ConferWest bridge

• Be prepared and dial into the video conference early.  All multipoint conferences (ones that use the bridge) have to be activated with a planned start and finish time.  By default ConferWest enables participants to dial into the bridge at least 15 mins before the conference starts and provides an additional 15 mins after the booked end time.
  
• If you dial into the bridge before the conference is activated you will get a message
  ”The number you have called is not compatible with your equipment.”  Wait a while and re-dial.
  
• If it appears that your video conference will run past the booked end time, please call ConferWest to extend your conference, otherwise the bridge will stop the conference at the end of the standard 15 minute extension.